🔗 Share this article

Opening Thoughts

Good morning to another Sunday morning. This is your comprehensive football live hub, highlighting the day's key soccer fixtures. England's top division offers fascinating contests between the Seagulls and the Hammers and Fulham & Crystal Palace. On top of that, a top-of-the-table Scottish clash sees Celtic and Hearts, coupled with WSL games and cup round two excitement completes the schedule. We encourage send us your views and let us know your plans for watching today's games. Here we go.

Major Stories from Saturday

Mohamed Salah commandeered the spotlight even though he was absent in Liverpool's hectic 3-3 draw at Leeds United. He launched an astonishing attack on boss Arne Slot, claiming him of throwing him “to the wolves” following being left out the first eleven for the third consecutive match. The player stated that he felt made a scapegoat for the club's poor beginning to the campaign.

“I can’t believe … I am sat on the bench for 90 minutes,” Salah stated. “The third time on the bench, perhaps for the first time in my professional life. I am extremely disappointed.”

Another major top-flight development was the Gunners' injury-time defeat at Villa Park, sealed by Emiliano Buendía's decisive goal. This outcome, coupled with Manchester City's straightforward win over Sunderland, makes for a incredibly close battle at the summit of the table.

Away from the English leagues, Lionel Messi once again played the hero for his MLS side as they lifted the MLS Cup, defeating Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in the showpiece.

Sunday's Top-Flight Matches

Brighton welcome West Ham for an afternoon start. The visitors have displayed signs of improvement since the appointment of head coach Nuno Espírito Santo. An impressive point at Manchester United means he has overseen a run of just one defeat in their last five.

Fulham against Crystal Palace is a repeat of last season's cup last-eight tie. Crystal Palace are aiming for a fourth straight away win in the Premier League, having beaten three opponents to nil in their recent travels.

Cup Action Continues

The FA Cup round two provided lots of drama on Saturday. National League South side Weston-super-Mare created a historic moment by advancing to the next round for the first time in their history.

Additional standout results included:

• Swindon Town thrashed Bolton Wanderers – a league above them – 4-0.
• Cambridge beat Stockport on penalties.
• Sixth tier Buxton led against Cheltenham Town before eventually suffering a 6-2 defeat.

Sunday's FA Cup schedule features:

• Slough Town v Macclesfield (12.30pm GMT start)
• Boreham Wood v Newport County
• Gateshead v Walsall
• Blackpool v Carlisle United

Developing Mini-Leagues

It appears a trio of separate battlegroups developing in this season's top flight.

1. Championship Contenders: The current leading pack are apparently contending for the top prize.
2. The Packed Middle: A very tight section includes Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham, Newcastle and Manchester United, all with aspirations for the top five. Will any string together a winning run to threaten the elite?
3. The Fight for Survival: The dogfight to stay up probably involves Leeds, Nottingham Forest, Burnley and West Ham, with Wolves looking especially vulnerable. Clubs such as Brentford or Fulham could also be sucked into the battle.

Other Matches Today

Outside the English top flight and domestic cup, today's schedule include:

Women's Top Flight: (All 12pm GMT unless stated)

• Leicester City v Manchester City
• London City Lionesses v Brighton & Hove Albion
• Manchester United v West Ham United
• Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa
• Chelsea v Everton (2.30pm GMT)

European Football:

• Real Madrid v Celta Vigo (8pm CET)
• Borussia Dortmund v Hoffenheim (4.30pm CET)

The Salah Debate Continues

The fallout from Mohamed Salah's explosive interview rages on. Opinion is split into two distinct sides to the argument. Has he done enough to speak out as a true Liverpool legend? Or is manager Arne Slot justified in doing whatever it takes to attempt to win games?

Fan opinion appears divided:

“United fan here. If I’m not mistaken, Salah was PFA Player of the Year 6 months ago and now he’s the main target. This is no way to treat a legend of the club.”

“Can we pause to feel sorry for Mo Salah? He must have forgotten that he is currently Liverpool's highest ever earning player... A victim, Mo, you are not.”

What next for Mo Salah, then? Many think his relationship with the club may now be damaged. Will he seek a loan to another European club? Might he accept a lucrative offer and head for Saudi Arabia following the Africa Cup of Nations?

Matches Abandoned

A pair of second-tier fixtures were abandoned on Saturday.

• The game between Charlton and Portsmouth at The Valley was halted in the early stages after a fan was taken unwell. It was later announced the supporter died in hospital.
• Blackburn Rovers's game against Sheffield Wednesday was also paused and abandoned due to a waterlogged pitch at Ewood Park. Torrential rain – for the second time this season at the ground – rendered the pitch unplayable.

At this time, there is no word yet on when either game will be replayed.